Strong says WR Jaxon Shipley will play vs. Arkansas.
— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) December 27, 2014
Shipley missed the Longhorns’ regular-season finale against TCU with a hamstring injury. A four-year starter, Shipley has battled hamstring issue throughout his career in Austin.
Shipley is Texas’ second-leading receiver this season with 58 grabs for 578 yards and a touchdown. His 58 receptions are the 12th most in Texas single-season history, and he will move into the top 10 with two grabs against Arkansas. The 122 combined receptions between Shipley and John Harris are the fifth-most by a pass-catching tandem in UT’s single-season history.
Most importantly, Swoopes struggled - mightily - in his only start without Shipley. The sophomore turned in by far the worst performance of his career to date, completing 20-of-34 passes for 200 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a fumble returned for a touchdown in a 48-10 drubbing at the hands of the Horned Frogs.
Shipley’s presence means Texas has a leg up in the war of attrition with Arkansas. Razorbacks cornerback Carroll Washington and safety Rohan Gaines have been ruled out due to violations of team rules.
Texas and Arkansas will meet in the AdvoCare Texas Bowl at the Houston Texans’ NRG Stadium Monday night at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN).
